The 2021 Topps Update Baseball series brought baseball fans highly sought after rookie cards and parallels of star players from the shortened 2020 season. While most packs provided affordable entertainment for collectors, some lucky pulls yielded cards now worth significant money. Let’s take an in-depth look at the most valuable rookie and star player cards from the 2021 Topps Update set.
One of the most talked about rookies from the 2020 season was Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. Considered a true five-tool catcher and top MLB prospect, Rutschman had a highly coveted rookie card in the 2021 Topps Update set. His base rookie card can be found in packs but commands a price of $40-50 in near mint condition. An even more valuable parallel is his refractractor rookie, numbered to /199 copies. This rare parallel regularly auctions for $300-400 online. Another short print parallel is his sepia bordered rookie, limited to only /25 copies. Due to its ultra-low print run, this Rutschman has sold for well over $1,000.
Joining Rutschman among the truly elite rookies featured was Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert. As a first round draft pick who quickly rose through their system, Gilbert made his MLB debut in 2020 and showed promise. His base rookie card can be found for $15-20, but his most valuable parallels include the chrome refractractor /199 at $150-200 and sepia border parallel /25 selling for $600-800. Another Mariners rookie with value is outfielder Jarred Kelenic. While he struggled in his initial MLB stint, Kelenic remains a top prospect and his base rookie has traded hands for $10-15. Refractors and parallels can reach $50-100.
While rookies generated plenty of buzz, star veterans also received highly coveted updates and parallels. One of the biggest names is Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who cemented himself as a true superstar in 2020. His base update card holds steady at $8-10, but special “Black & Gold” parallels numbered to /50 have sold for over $300 each due to his popularity and on-field production. Fellow young star Juan Soto of the Nationals also saw strong demand. His base update remains affordable at $5-7, but his “Stars of MLB” parallel /50 reached $150-200 in auctions.
Two polarizing Astros generated buzz as well – Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve. Correa remains one of baseball’s best all-around shortstops when on the field. His base update trades for $5-7 while “Back in Action” parallels /50 brought over $100. Altuve’s involvement in the 2017 sign stealing scandal caused a divide in collector interest. His record-setting season and clutch playoff moments created demand. Altuve’s standard update sells for $3-5 while a rare “Mint Condition” parallel /25 traded hands for an impressive $250.
Another American League star who saw strong collector enthusiasm was Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After a breakout 2021 season where he led the league in home runs, collectors sought all forms of his 2021 Topps Update cards. The base sells for $7-10, but his most valuable parallel remains the rare “Gold Signature” version numbered to /10 copies. Due to the extreme low print run and Guerrero’s new star status, one of these ultra-short print cards recently sold for a staggering $1,600 online.
While rookies and young stars held the bulk of the value, veterans remained popular with collectors too. One of the greatest hitters of all time, Albert Pujols, was featured prominently in the 2021 Topps Update set as he pursued historic career milestones with the Dodgers. His base card trades hands for $5-7, but special parallels like “Hall of Fame Candidates” /50 moved for $75-100. Fellow Dodger slugger Mookie Betts also saw strong collector enthusiasm for his base $5-7 card and short printed parallels upto $100-150.
While most 2021 Topps Update packs provided affordable modern baseball cards for collectors, a select few rookie and star cards skyrocketed in value due to on-field performances, parallels, and print runs. Keys to high value included elite rookies like Rutschman alongside superstars enjoying breakout seasons such as Guerrero Jr. Short printed parallel versions of these stars moved the needle the most. With another exciting MLB season ahead, 2022 Topps Update is sure to produce its own set of valuable rookie hits and star player pulls.
